2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election

Recall election in US state January 2025 June 2012 2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election Wisconsin presidential No 2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election 2010 2014 Wisconsin gubernatorial election 2014 June 5, 2012 Barrett Walker debate (7314504544) (2).jpg Scott Walker Republican Party (United States) 1,335,585 53.08% File:Independence Day 2014 (14418050490) (Tom Barrett) (1).jpg Tom Barrett Democratic Party (United States) 1,164,480 46.28% 57.8% ( 8.1%) 260px County results 260px Congressional district results 260px Precinct results 1 Walker: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #D75D5D 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% #A80000 >90%Barrett: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90%Tie: #ae8bb1 50% #808080 No data Governor Scott Walker Republican Party (United States) Scott Walker Republican Party (United States) The 2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election was an election to elect the governor and lieutenant governor of Wisconsin. It resulted in voters re-electing incumbent Republican governor Scott Walker over the Democratic candidate Tom Barrett by a larger margin than in 2010 when Walker also faced Barrett. Recall organizers opposed Walker's agenda, particularly his limiting of collective bargaining rights for state employees,http://archive.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2012/06/04/wisconsin_recall_battle_finally_goes_to_voters/ Wisconsin recall battle finally goes to voters Scott Bauer Boston Globe Associated Press June 4, 2012 June 4, 2012 and they collected over 900,000 signatures to initiate the recall election process. There was also a recall for Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. She won her race, defeating Democrat Mahlon Mitchell, making her the first lieutenant governor to run in and survive a recall.http://www.news8000.com/news/Wisconsin-Lieutenant-Governor-Kleefisch-survives-recall-election/-/326/14637616/-/13r7tifz/-/index.html Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch survives recall election News8000.com 2012-06-05 2012-07-23 January 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130130180853/http://www.news8000.com/news/Wisconsin-Lieutenant-Governor-Kleefisch-survives-recall-election/-/326/14637616/-/13r7tifz/-/index.html dead The Democratic primaries took place on May 8. The recall elections were held on June 5,Hall Dee J. http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/judge-oks-petition-review-extension-june-recall-election/article_67963f84-6de3-11e1-9969-0019bb2963f4.html Judge OKs petition review extension, June 5 recall election Wisconsin State Journal March 15, 2012 March 20, 2012 with Walker defeating Barrett. Walker was thus the first U.S. governor to continue in office after facing a recall election.NBC, CNN, Fox News, Los Angeles Times, CBS News. Four state senate recall elections took place the same day as the gubernatorial recall elections, resulting in two wins by Republican incumbents, one open seat win by a Republican, and one win by a Democratic challenger, giving Democrats control of the state Senate for the remainder of the year.Stephanie Jones http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/as-republicans-see-victory-wanggaard-in-razor-thin-lead-over/article_90a8c3ae-af76-11e1-ba46-0019bb2963f4.html?comment_form=true Lehman declares win Journaltimes.com 2012-06-05 2012-07-23 The recall election was just the third gubernatorial recall election in U.S. history and the first one in which the incumbent was not defeated.https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/01/us/politics/wisconsin-recall-vote-could-foretell-november-election.html Recall Election Could Foretell November Vote The New York Times June 3, 2012 Monica Davey May 31, 2012 The other recall elections were the 1921 North Dakota gubernatorial recall election (which successfully recalled Lynn Frazier) and the 2003 California gubernatorial recall election (which successfully recalled Gray Davis). After 2012, the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election became the second recall election to fail to defeat the incumbent. As of , this is the last governor election in which the Republican candidate won the counties of Eau Claire, Sauk, Green, and Vernon. Voter turnout in the election was 57.8 percent, the highest for a gubernatorial election not on a presidential ballot in Wisconsin history up to that point.Gilbert Craig http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/160537265.html#!page=1&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst Recall turnout June 5: high in most places, insanely high in some JSOnline 2012-06-27 2012-07-23 The election was widely covered on national television. Background Pre-certification recall campaign thumb|Protests in the Capitol, February 14, 2012 thumb|Recall organizers collecting petition signatures from motorists in Oak Creek, Wisconsin in November 2011 thumb|Petition signatures being collected in Madison, Wisconsin in November 2011 Incumbent Republican Governor Scott Walker faced a recall effort beginning in November 2011. After the contentious collective bargaining dispute,"Recall Election Tests Strategies for November", April 28, 2012. Walker's disapproval ratings varied between 50 and 51% while his approval ratings varied between 47% and 49% in 2011.Patrick Marley http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/130173963.html New poll reflects divide on bargaining limits Milwaukee Journal Sentinel September 20, 2011 January 21, 2012http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2011/10/wisconsin-recall-prospects-dimming.html Wisconsin Recall Prospects Dimming Public Policy Polling October 26, 2011 January 21, 2012 Wisconsin law made Walker ineligible for recall until at least January 3, 2012, one year after he first took office, and the Wisconsin Democratic Party called it a "priority" to remove him from office.http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Scott_Walker_Raises_25_Million_In_First_Half_Of_Year_125845278.html Scott Walker Raises $2.5 Million In First Half Of Year Nbc15.com Associated Press July 19, 2011 January 21, 2012 March 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120325125205/http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Scott_Walker_Raises_25_Million_In_First_Half_Of_Year_125845278.html dead In the first half of 2011, Walker raised more than $2,500,000 from supporters.https://www.politico.com/story/2011/08/walker-recall-expected-to-proceed-061029 Walker recall expected to proceed David Catanese Politico August 10, 2011 January 21, 2012Stein Jason http://m.jsonline.com/newswatch/125889678.htm Walker raises more than $2.5 million in first half of 2011 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel July 20, 2011 January 21, 2012 Walker raised $5.1 million in the second half of 2011 to battle his recall."With half the money coming from out of state, Walker far outraising recall organizers", Wisconsin State Journal, December 15, 2011; retrieved December 17, 2011. In less than half of the allotted time (60 days) to collect signatures, recall organizers report collecting more than 500,000 signatures, leaving roughly one month left to collect the remaining 40,000 signatures needed to force a recall vote. On January 17, 2012, United Wisconsin, the coalition that spearheaded the recall effort, along with the Democratic Party, said that one million signatures were collected, which far exceeded the 540,208 needed, and amounted to 23 percent of the state's eligible voters, 46 percent of the total votes cast in the 2010 gubernatorial election and just shy of the 1.1 million votes earned by Walker.http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/percent%20results%20post%20recount_120710.pdf Recount results Wisconsin Government Accountability Board March 20, 2012 May 21, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120521140507/http://gab.wi.gov/sites/default/files/percent%20results%20post%20recount_120710.pdf dead On January 25, 2012, a poll released by the Marquette University Law School indicated that Walker could win a recall election against potential candidates Tom Barrett, Kathleen Falk, David Obey or Tim Cullen.http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/289264/new-poll-delivers-scott-walker-good-news-christian-schneider New Poll Delivers Scott Walker Good News Christian Schneider National Review Online January 25, 2012 March 20, 2012https://law.marquette.edu/poll/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/MLSPJanToplines.pdf Marquette poll Marquette University March 20, 2012 This compared to a poll released by Public Policy Polling in October 2011 that also predicted Walker would win a recall election against Barrett, Falk, Peter Barca, Steve Kagen or Ron Kind. The poll also showed that more people opposed (49%) than supported (48%) the recall effort.http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2011/10/wisconsin-recall-prospects-dimming.html Wisconsin Recall Prospects Dimming Public Policy Polling October 28, 2011 In February 2012, Walker's campaign made an additional request for more time for the petition signatures to be verified, stating that between 10 and 20% of the signatures reviewed to that point should not be counted. Democrats argued that even if 20% of the signatures were not counted there were still 300,000 more than the required number needed to initiate the recall. Democratic Party spokesman Graeme Zielinski argued Walker was just "delaying the inevitable". Additionally, in the period while signatures were being verified Barrett and Walker were able to collect unlimited campaign donations because normal campaign fundraising limits do not apply until an election is ordered.Bauer Scott Governor Scott Walker seeks more time for review of recall signatures http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120216/GPG0101/202160588/Governor-Scott-Walker-seeks-more-time-review-recall-signatures greenbaypressgazette February 17, 2012 January 25, 2013 https://archive.today/20130125022318/http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120216/GPG0101/202160588/Governor-Scott-Walker-seeks-more-time-review-recall-signatures dead On February 17, 2012, Dane County judge Richard Niess, who also signed the petition, denied Walker's request for additional time.http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/judge-tells-walker-no-more-extensions-on-the-recall.php Judge Tells Walker: No More Extensions On The Recall Eric Kleefeld February 17, 2012 Talking Points Memo March 1, 2012 February 29, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120229201012/http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/judge-tells-walker-no-more-extensions-on-the-recall.php dead In March Milwaukee city officials asked Milwaukee Public Schools to contribute nearly $10 million more to the pension plan because of financial market downturns. The teachers' union, school board and the superintendent asked the legislature for the opportunity to negotiate to reduce costs.Richards Erin Stein Jason http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/union-mps-seek-talks-over-pension-hit-tu4hv8g-142409755.html Union, MPS seek time to discuss contract changes Journal Sentinel March 12, 2012 March 20, 2012 Milwaukee schools didn't take part in a 90-day window that had since closed, which allowed unions and municipal employees to make contract adjustments. The Assembly and Senate agreed to allow Milwaukee schools to reopen negotiations for compensation or fringe-benefit concessions without nullifying existing union contracts. The measure giving them 90 days passed the Assembly and Senate. Governor Scott Walker supported the measure. Other teachers' unions asked Milwaukee to withdraw its request, saying it would give Walker a political advantage in the recall election.http://www.news8000.com/news/Wisconsin-legislature-approves-Milwaukee-schools-plan/-/326/9294638/-/681ikez/-/index.html Wisconsin legislature approves Milwaukee schools plan News8000.com March 14, 2012 March 20, 2012 May 26, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130526144204/http://www.news8000.com/news/Wisconsin-legislature-approves-Milwaukee-schools-plan/-/326/9294638/-/681ikez/-/index.html dead Certification On March 29, 2012, the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board released its final signature counts for the Walker recall petition. The GAB reported that 931,053 signatures were officially turned in, although the proponents had stated that approximately one million signatures were collected. Of that number, 26,114 were struck by GAB staff for various reasons and an additional 4,001 duplicates were struck. The final total certified by the GAB was 900,938 signatures.http://gab.wi.gov/node/2294 Recall Petition Update 11: G.A.B. Releases Final Signature Counts for Meeting Friday Government Accountability Board March 29, 2012 May 9, 2012 May 10, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120510203804/http://gab.wi.gov/node/2294 dead Controversies Twenty-nine circuit court judges in Wisconsin signed recall petitions against Gov. Walker, according to a Gannett Wisconsin Media analysis.29 circuit court judges signed Walker recall petitions https://web.archive.org/web/20131103133716/http://sheboyganhub.sheboyganpress.com/article/20120318/SHE0101/203180442/29-circuit-court-judges-signed-Walker-recall-petitions November 3, 2013 Among the signers was Dane County Judge David Flanagan, who was scrutinized after issuing a temporary restraining order March 6 against a Walker-backed voter ID law without disclosing his support of the recall.Rodriguez Barbara http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20120307/APC010401/203070547/Dane-County-Judge-David-Flanagan-temporarily-stops-new-Wisconsin-voter-ID-law Dane County Judge David Flanagan temporarily stops new Wisconsin voter ID law Postcrescent.com March 7, 2012 March 20, 2012 March 14, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120314094528/http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20120307/APC010401/203070547/Dane-County-Judge-David-Flanagan-temporarily-stops-new-Wisconsin-voter-ID-law dead None of the state's sixteen appeals court judges or seven Supreme Court justices signed the recall petition. The state Supreme Court issued an advisory opinion in 2001 saying judges are allowed to sign nominating petitions, as long as the petition language only supports putting the candidate on the ballot and does not imply an endorsement. The Landmark Legal Foundation requested an investigation to the Wisconsin Judicial Commission regarding allegations of misconduct by the judges in question.November 2013 It was later learned that 25 journalists at Gannett had also signed the recall petition. The newspaper group revealed the signatures in the interest of being as open as possible. Genia Lovett, representative for the organization, stated that journalists have a right to hold opinions, but must protect the credibility of their respective news organizations.Associated Press http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/144136885.html Gannett apologizes after reporters sign Walker recall petitions TMJ4 March 25, 2012 May 9, 2012 April 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120427171046/http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/144136885.html dead Other media organizations had staff who signed the recall petition.http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/145992565.html WTMJ staffers signed Governor Walker recall petition WTMJ April 3, 2012 May 9, 2012 May 8, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120508023853/http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/145992565.html dead Rob Starbuck, the morning news anchor for Madison, Wisconsin, television station WISC-TV, signed the Walker recall petition. The station stated that the signing was in violation of the station's policy for newsroom employees. Television stations WISN, WTMJ, WITI, WDJT and radio station WTMJ in Milwaukee discovered that some staff members signed petitions to recall Walker. Some employees at WTMJ claimed signing the recall petition was not a political act, but rather, similar to casting a vote. WTMJ stated it did not agree and indicated they would take measures to make sure their reporting was fair and balanced, and to ensure no future similar controversies. The WITI television journalist who had signed the petition was reassigned and prohibited from covering Walker-related stories."News operations report that staffers signed Walker recall petition", jsonline.com; accessed May 6, 2014."WTMJ4 report on staffers who signed Walker recall petition", jrn.com; accessed May 6, 2014. The cost of the recall election had also drawn criticism. An estimate provided by the state Government Accountability Board showed a cost of $9 million for a statewide election. Since a primary election was also conducted for this race, Representative Robin Vos estimated the cost would be double, around $18 million.Todd Richmond Associated Press http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/breaking/survey-wis-gov-recall-will-cost-million/article_02a8d55c-38ad-11e1-bd17-0019bb2963f4.html Survey: Wis. gov recall will cost $9 million: The Racine Journal Times Online Journaltimes.com January 6, 2012 June 3, 2012 thumb|Results of the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary on May 8, 2012. Red counties had more votes for Walker than all Democrats combined. Blue counties had more votes for all Democrats combined than Walker. Costs and spending The recall elections were the most expensive elections in Wisconsin history.Staff https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/03/wisconsin-recall-unions_n_1565921.html?ref=tom-barrett Wisconsin Recall Breaks Record Thanks To Outside Cash Huffington Post June 5, 2012 June 3, 2012 According to the advocacy group Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, candidates and outside groups spent more than $80 million in the governor's recall race. This compares to $37.4 million spent on the 2010 Wisconsin gubernatorial election.Bauter Alison http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/spending-on-state-recalls-exceeds-125-million-group-says-hb5mriv-157906265.html Spending on state recalls exceeds $125 million, group says Milwaukee Journal Sentinel June 7, 2012 June 7, 2012 According to USA Today, "More than $62 million was spent by the candidates and outside groups. Much of the $30 million raised by Walker came from outside the state. Barrett ... spent about $4 million; most of his donors live in Wisconsin."https://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2012-06-05/wisconsin-recall-election-walker/55388788/1?csp=34news Wisconsin Gov. Walker faces recall vote USAToday.com 2012-07-23 June 5, 2012 Barrett also benefited from spending by labor unions throughout the recall, estimated at another $20 million.February 2015 Kathleen Falk, who was defeated by Barrett in the Democratic primary, raised about $5.2 million from public-sector unions inside and outside the state. The cost of the recall elections for the governor and lieutenant governor to Wisconsin taxpayers was $18 million. Republican primary Candidates Arthur Kohl-Riggs, activisthttp://www.channel3000.com/news/Agitator-gets-enough-names-to-challenge-Walker/-/1648/10568244/-/14g57gdz/-/index.html Agitator gets enough names to challenge Walker Channel3000.com April 11, 2012 June 3, 2012 May 30, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120530065345/http://www.channel3000.com/news/Agitator-gets-enough-names-to-challenge-Walker/-/1648/10568244/-/14g57gdz/-/index.html dead Scott Walker, incumbent governor Endorsements Scott Walker 2 U.S. senators Rick Santorum, former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania (1995–2007)https://www.politico.com/story/2012/03/santorum-romney-embrace-walker-074665 Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney embrace Scott Walker March 29, 2012 Politico.com June 3, 2012 U.S. representatives Newt Gingrich, former U.S. representative from GA 6 (1979–1999) and 50th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (1995–1999)Staff http://axiomamnesia.com/2012/05/18/newt-gingrich-pimps-presidential-campaign-mailing-list-shill-soon-to-be-recalled-wi-gov-scott-walker Newt Gingrich Pimps Presidential Campaign Mailing List To Shill For Soon-To-Be-Recalled WI Gov. Scott Walker Axiom Amnesia May 18, 2012 June 3, 2012 Ron Paul, U.S. representative from TX 14 (1997–2013), TX 22 (1976–1977, 1979–1985)Associated Press http://www.twincities.com/wisconsin/ci_20286535/ron-paul-says-wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-making Ron Paul says Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker making positive changes March 28, 2012 TwinCities.com June 3, 2012 Paul Ryan, U.S. representative from WI 1 (1999–2019)Associated Press http://www.twincities.com/wisconsin/ci_20358166/rep-paul-ryan-says-hell-help-gov-scott?source=pkg Rep. Paul Ryan says he'll help Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin recall Twincities.com April 10, 2012 June 3, 2012 Statewide officials Chris Christie, governor of New Jersey (2010–2018)https://www.politico.com/story/2012/05/christie-walker-is-courageous-075827 Chris Christie: Scott Walker is 'courageous' Politico.Com May 2, 2012 June 3, 2012 Ken Cuccinelli, attorney general of Virginia (2010–2014)Kumar Anita https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/virginia-politics/post/bob-mcdonnell-ken-cuccinelli-help-scott-walker-in-wisconsin-recall/2012/05/24/gJQASkGumU_blog.html Bob McDonnell, Ken Cuccinelli help Scott Walker in Wisconsin recall The Washington Post May 24, 2012 June 3, 2012 Nikki Haley, governor of South Carolina (2011–2017) and former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives (2005–2011)John Nichols http://www.thenation.com/blog/168052/scott-walkers-southern-strategy-aligns-him-union-buster-nikki-haley Scott Walker's Southern Strategy Aligns Him With 'Union Buster' Nikki Haley The Nation May 24, 2012 June 3, 2012 Bobby Jindal, governor of Louisiana (2008–2016) and former U.S. representative of Louisiana (2005–2008)http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/wisconsin/louisiana-gov-bobby-jindal-to-campaign-for-wisconsin-gov-scott-walker Gov. Bobby Jindal to campaign for Gov. Scott Walker Fox11online.com May 23, 2012 June 3, 2012http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20120523/APC010405/305230170/Louisiana-Governor-Bobby-Jindal-attend-rally-Wisconsin-Governor-Scott-Walker Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to attend rally for Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker postcrescent.com June 3, 2012 May 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120525081318/http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20120523/APC010405/305230170/Louisiana-Governor-Bobby-Jindal-attend-rally-Wisconsin-Governor-Scott-Walker dead Bob McDonnell, governor of Virginia (2010–2014) and former attorney general of Virginia (2006–2009) Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska and former vice-presidential nominee (2008)Puddytat http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/29/1078965/-Romney-and-Sarah-Palin-Support-Scott-Walker-With-Friends-Like-This- Romney and Sarah Palin Support Scott Walker. With Friends Like These Daily Kos March 29, 2012 June 3, 2012 Sean Parnell, governor of Alaska (2009–2014) and former lieutenant governor of Alaska (2006–2009)http://newsminer.com/pages/full_story/push?blog-entry-Parnell+says+Wisconsin+governor+takes+-courageous-+stand+on+unions+&id=12278641&instance=blogs_editors_desk Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: Parnell says Wisconsin governor takes courageous stand on unions Newsminer.com June 3, 2012August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts (2003–2007)Kornacki Steve http://www.salon.com/2012/06/01/scott_walkers_john_doe_scandal_explained Scott Walker's "John Doe" scandal, explained – Wisconsin Recall Salon.com June 2012 June 3, 2012 Organizations Judicial Watchhttp://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2012/02/judicial-watch-announces-major-sponsorship-of-cpac-sponsors-ronald-reagan-banquet Announces Major Sponsorship of CPAC: Sponsors Ronald Reagan Banquet Judicial Watch February 7, 2012 June 5, 2012http://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-president-tom-fittons-introductory-remarks-cpac-2012-ronald-reagan-banquet President Tom Fitton's Introductory Remarks, CPAC 2012 Ronald Reagan Banquet Judicial Watch June 5, 2012 NRA Political Victory FundNRA-PVF Endorses Scott Walker for Governor in Wisconsin https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20120509/nra-pvf-endorses-scott-walker-for-governor-in-wisconsin nrapvf.org NRA-PVF 14 August 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20140812194611/https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20120509/nra-pvf-endorses-scott-walker-for-governor-in-wisconsin 12 August 2014 en-US 9 May 2012 The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is announcing its endorsement of Scott Walker for Governor in the June 5 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election. live Tea Party movementhttps://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/02/wisconsin-recall-election-scott-walker-tom-barrett_n_1564930.html Wisconsin Recall Election: Scott Walker, Tom Barrett Make Final Push Huffington Post June 3, 2012 June 2, 2012 Newspapers Beloit Daily Newshttp://www.beloitdailynews.com/opinion/editorial-is-it-working-let-s-wait-see/article_9f707848-a6cd-11e1-851d-0019bb2963f4.html EDITORIAL: Is it working? Let's wait, see Beloit Daily News June 5, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120605081648/http://www.beloitdailynews.com/opinion/editorial-is-it-working-let-s-wait-see/article_9f707848-a6cd-11e1-851d-0019bb2963f4.html June 5, 2012 dead Green Bay Press-Gazettehttp://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120527/GPG0602/205270488/Editorial-Press-Gazette-endorses-Walker-recall-election Editorial: Press-Gazette endorses Walker in recall election greenbaypressgazette.com May 29, 2012 June 5, 2012August 2023 yes Milwaukee Journal Sentinelhttp://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/we-recommend-walker-his-removal-isnt-justified-l55ecb6-152111305.html We recommend Walker; his removal isn't justified JSOnline May 19, 2012 June 3, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120520040030/http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/we-recommend-walker-his-removal-isnt-justified-l55ecb6-152111305.html May 20, 2012 live Labor unions Milwaukee Police Associationhttp://fox6now.com/2012/04/02/milwaukee-police-firefighters-endorse-gov-walker Milwaukee police, firefighters endorse Gov. Walker Fox6now.com April 2, 2012 June 3, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120404135520/http://fox6now.com/2012/04/02/milwaukee-police-firefighters-endorse-gov-walker April 4, 2012 live Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association Individuals Herman Cain, radio host, former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and former candidate for president of the United States in 2012http://www.wisdems.org/news/press/view/2012-03-icymi-failed-presidential-hopeful-and-tea-party-extr ICYMI: Failed Presidential Hopeful and Tea Party Extremist Herman Cain Bagging Cash for Scott Walker, Dissing Mitt Romney Wisdems.org March 9, 2012 June 3, 2012 Rush Limbaugh, radio hosthttp://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2012/05/31/scott_walker_vs_barack_obama Scott Walker vs. Barack Obama Rushlimbaugh.com May 31, 2012 June 5, 2012http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2012/06/04/democrat_desperation_time_in_wisconsin Democrat Desperation Time in Wisconsin Rushlimbaugh.com January 27, 2006 June 5, 2012 Michelle Malkin, author, blogger and commentatorMalkin Michelle http://michellemalkin.com/2012/03/28/the-war-on-wisconsin The war on Wisconsin; Update: Sarah Palin's call to arms Michelle Malkin March 28, 2012 June 5, 2012 Michael Reagan, radio and television hostStaff https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/28/michael-reagan-scott-walker_n_1551273.html Michael Reagan Says 'Win One For The Gipper' In Pro-Scott Walker Ad Huffington Post May 28, 2012 June 3, 2012Michael Reagan http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110224/OPINION0106/102240322/Michael-Reagan-War-cry-Wisconsin-should-Remember-PATCO-?nclick_check=1 Michael Reagan: War cry in Wisconsin should be 'Remember PATCO!' Shreveport Times August 3, 2013 September 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924101728/http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110224/OPINION0106/102240322/Michael-Reagan-War-cry-Wisconsin-should-Remember-PATCO-?nclick_check=1 dead Results Republican primary resultshttp://elections.wi.gov/sites/default/files/Recall%20Primary%20Canvass%20Results%20%285.18.12%29.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20170215033612/http://elections.wi.gov/sites/default/files/Recall%20Primary%20Canvass%20Results%20%285.18.12%29.pdf dead 2017-02-15 Canvass Results for 2012 May 8 Recall Primary Wisconsin Government Accountability Board September 16, 2024 Scott Walker (incumbent) Republican Party (United States) 626,962 96.88% Arthur Kohl-Riggs Republican Party (United States) 19,939 3.08% Patrick J. O'Brien (write-in) Republican Party (United States) 17 0.00% Scattering Republican Party (United States) 204 0.03% 647,122 100.00% Democratic primary thumb|Barrett celebrating his May 8 victory in the Democratic primary Candidates Declared Tom Barrett, mayor of Milwaukee, former U.S. representative, candidate for governor in 2002 and nominee in 2010https://www.politico.com/story/2012/03/milwaukee-mayor-enters-wis-recall-074691 Tom Barrett, Milwaukee mayor, enters Wisconsin recall March 30, 2012 April 2, 2012 Politico Mackenzie Weinger Kathleen Falk, former Dane County executive, candidate for governor in 2002 and nominee for attorney general in 2006Kurtenbach Bridget http://www.wqow.com/story/16544954/kathleen-falk-announces-candidacy-for-governor Kathleen Falk announces candidacy for governor WQOW TV January 18, 2012 March 20, 2012 March 8, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308053218/http://www.wqow.com/story/16544954/kathleen-falk-announces-candidacy-for-governor dead Gladys Huber, activisthttp://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/wisconsin/la-follette-praises-barrett-in-primary-win La Follette praises Barrett in primary win Fox11online.com June 5, 2012http://fox6now.com/2012/05/09/democrats-show-unity-in-race-for-governor-of-wisconsin Democrats show unity in race for governor of Wisconsin Fox6now.com May 9, 2012 June 5, 2012 Douglas La Follette, Wisconsin secretary of state, candidate for WI-01 in 1970http://www.channel3000.com/news/La-Follette-Moves-Closer-To-Run-For-Governor/-/1648/10370764/-/12jeli3z/-/index.html La Follette Moves Closer To Run For Governor WISC-TV February 22, 2012 March 20, 2012 May 1, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120501182242/http://www.channel3000.com/news/La-Follette-Moves-Closer-To-Run-For-Governor/-/1648/10370764/-/12jeli3z/-/index.html dead Kathleen Vinehout, state senatorhttp://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/138938289.html Sen. Vinehout to jump in to governor's recall race February 8, 2012 March 31, 2012 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Jason Stein Declined Peter W. Barca, state assembly minority leaderhttp://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/145419085.html Rep. Barca won't run in recall March 31, 2012 March 31, 2012 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Jason Stein Tim Cullen, state senator Jon Erpenbach, state senator Russ Feingold, former U.S. senatorWeiner Rachel Russ Feingold not running in 2012 https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/russ-feingold-not-running-in-2012/2011/08/19/gIQALSkjPJ_blog.html February 28, 2012 The Washington Post August 19, 2011 Ron Kind, U.S. representativeJohnson Shawn Barrett picks up key endorsements http://www.superiortelegram.com/event/article/id/64866/group/News April 6, 2012 Superior Telegraph April 5, 2012August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Dave Obey, former U.S. representativeCatanese David https://www.politico.com/blogs/david-catanese/2012/04/obey-endorses-tom-barrett-in-walker-recall-119983 Obey endorses Tom Barrett in Walker recall Politico April 9, 2012 May 9, 2012 Endorsements Tom Barrett 2 Executive branch officials Bill Clinton, 42nd president of the United States (1993–2001)https://www.politico.com/story/2012/06/clinton-slams-walker-agenda-076963 Bill Clinton slams Scott Walker agenda June 2012 Politico.com June 3, 2012 Hillary Clinton, United States secretary of state (2009–2013) Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States (2009–2017)Staff https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/tom-barrett-scott-walker_n_1561152.html Tom Barrett Will Stress Scott Walker's 'Failure To Lead' In Final Debate Huffington Post June 3, 2012 May 31, 2012 U.S. Senators Russ Feingold, former U.S. senator from Wisconsin (1993–2011)Staff https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/18/russ-feingold-tom-barrett-wisconsin-recall_n_1526973.html Russ Feingold Hosting Fundraiser For Tom Barrett In Wisconsin Recall Race Huffington Post May 18, 2012 June 3, 2012Staff https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/09/russ-feingold-tom-barrett-wisconsin-recall-scott-walker_n_1503092.html Russ Feingold Fundraises For Tom Barrett In Wisconsin Recall Huffington Post June 3, 2012 May 9, 2012 Herb Kohl, U.S. senator from Wisconsin (1989–2013)http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/sen-herb-kohl-endorses-tom-barrett-in-wisconsin Sen. Herb Kohl Endorses Tom Barrett In Wisconsin Recall Democratic Primary April 12, 2012 April 12, 2012 talkingpointsmemo.com U.S. Representatives Steve Kagen, former U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 8th congressional district (2007–2011)http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120409/GPG0101/120409153/Tom%20Barrett%20picks%20up%203%20local%20endorsements%20in%20bid%20to%20replace%20Wisconsin%20Gov.%20Scott%20Walker?nclick_check=1 Barrett picks up 3 local endorsements in bid to replace Gov. Walker May 6, 2014 greenbaypressgazette.comAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Ron Kind, U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district Dennis Kucinich, U.S. representative from Ohio's 10th congressional district (1997–2013)Kucinich, Dennis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqhtUTyqVOY Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Admits It YouTube April 14, 2011 June 3, 2012 Dave Obey, former U.S. representative from Wisconsin's 7th congressional district (1969–2011)https://www.politico.com/blogs/david-catanese/2012/04/obey-endorses-tom-barrett-in-walker-recall-119983 Obey endorses Tom Barrett in Walker recall April 9, 2012 April 10, 2012 politico.com Statewide officials Douglas La Follette, Wisconsin secretary of state (1975–1979; 1983–2023) and gubernatorial candidate Martin O'Malley, governor of Maryland (2007–2015)http://gretawire.foxnewsinsider.com/2012/05/30/maryland-governor-martin-omalley-headed-to-wisconsin-why-is-president-obama-doing-the-fly-over Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley headed to Wisconsin – why is President Obama doing the "fly over"? Gretawire.foxnewsinsider.com May 30, 2012 June 3, 2012http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/barrett-and-omalley-two-peas-pod_646345.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120602034442/http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/barrett-and-omalley-two-peas-pod_646345.html dead June 2, 2012 Barrett and O'Malley: Two Peas in a Pod? The Weekly Standard May 16, 2012 June 3, 2012https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/05/30/omalley-to-stump-in-wisconsin-for-walker-foe/ O'Malley to stump in Wisconsin for Walker foe Articles.baltimoresun.com May 30, 2012 June 3, 2012 Michael Dresserhttps://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/06/01/mcdonnell-attacks-omalley-on-taxes/ McDonnell attacks O'Malley on taxes Articles.baltimoresun.com June 3, 2012 Annie Linskey June 2012 State legislators Terese Berceau, state representative (1999–2019)http://www.wrn.com/2012/04/barrett-vows-to-end-wisconsins-civil-war Barrett vows to end Wisconsin's civil war April 4, 2012 April 5, 2012 Wisconsin Radio Network Jackie Johnson Tim Cullen, state senator from the 15th district (1975–1987; 2011–2015)Vanegeren Jessica http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/capitol-report/capitol-report-sen-cullen-says-he-won-t-run-for/article_5add8320-4d17-11e1-8785-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1lAxmFm4d Sen. Cullen says he won't run for governor The Capital Times February 1, 2012 March 20, 2012 Jon Erpenbach, state senator from the 27th district (1999–2023)http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/barrett-gets-endorsement-from-erpenbach/article_a9d03dd4-7cc8-11e1-8735-0019bb2963f4.html Barrett gets endorsement from Erpenbach April 2, 2012 April 2, 2012 Wisconsin State Journal Nick Heynen Tony Staskunas, state representative from the 10th district (1997–2013) Kathleen Vinehout, state senator from the 31st district (2007–2019) Local officials Kathleen Falk, former Dane County executive (1997–2011)Daily Kos Labor http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/05/09/1090033/-Tom-Barrett-receives-immediate-support-from-Wisconsin-unions-and-Kathleen-Falk-in-recall-effort Tom Barrett receives immediate support from Wisconsin unions and Kathleen Falk in recall effort Daily Kos May 9, 2012 June 5, 2012 Tom Nelson, Outagamie County executive (2011–present) Nancy Nusbaum, former county executive of Brown County (1995–2003) Individuals Arthur Kohl-Riggs, political activistNayantara Mukherji http://www.isthmus.com/daily/article.php?article=36700 Arthur Kohl-Riggs and supporters hope to send recall message to Dems and GOP alike May 9, 2012 Isthmus.com June 5, 2012 Webster Tarpley, author, historian and journalistJones, Alex https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRFwInTsxkk Tarpley, Jones: The Great Debate! YouTube June 4, 2012 July 23, 2012 Newspapers The Capital TimesCap Times editorial http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/editorial/tom-barrett-for-governor/article_ad44276e-a9c8-11e1-8134-0019bb2963f4.html Tom Barrett for governor June 4, 2012 Host.madison.com June 5, 2012 Organizations Sierra Clubhttp://wisconsin.sierraclub.org/documents/051612PRSierraClubEndorsesBarrett.pdf Sierra Club endorses Tom Barrett for Governor Sierra Club May 16, 2012 June 5, 2012 Kathleen Falk 2 Statewide officials Vel Phillips, former Wisconsin secretary of statehttp://www.kathleenfalk.com/media/press/2012-03-endorsements Kathleen's Endorsements Kathleenfalk.com March 20, 2012 March 12, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120312135739/http://www.kathleenfalk.com/media/press/2012-03-endorsements State legislators Brett Hulsey, Wisconsin state assemblyman from the 77th district Sondy Pope-Roberts, Wisconsin state assemblywoman Christine Sinicki, Wisconsin state assemblywoman Chris Taylor, Wisconsin state assemblywoman Local officials Richard J. Phelps, former Dane County executive Organizations EMILY's List Sierra Club Wisconsin Education Association Council Women's Campaign Fundhttp://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/146134255.html U.S. Rep. Kind, Women's Campaign Fund make endorsements in governor's race April 4, 2012 April 5, 2012 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Jason Stein Polling Poll source Date(s)administeredSamplesizeMargin oferror TomBarrett KathleenFalk DougLa Follette KathleenVinehoutUndecidedMarquette UniversityMarquette University April 26–29, 2012 451 ± 4% 48% 21% 8% 6% 19%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling April 13–15, 2012 810 ± 3.4% 38% 24% 9% 6% 22%Marquette UniversityMarquette University March 22–25, 2012 373 ± 5.1% — 54% 15% 12% 19% 36% 29% 8% 8% 18%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 425 45% 18% 14% 6% 17% — 41% 23% 13% 22% Results thumb|Primary results by county: Barrett #BDD3FF 30–40% #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996E2 50–60% #6674DE 60–70% #584CDE 70–80% Falk #ACF2F2 30–40% #7DDDDD 40–50% #51C2C2 50–60% Democratic gubernatorial primary results Tom Barrett Democratic Party (United States) 390,191 58.10% Kathleen Falk Democratic Party (United States) 229,236 34.13% Kathleen Vinehout Democratic Party (United States) 26,967 4.02% Douglas La Follette Democratic Party (United States) 19,497 2.90% Gladys Huber Democratic Party (United States) 4,847 0.72% Scattering Democratic Party (United States) 864 0.13% 671,602 100.00% General election Candidates Tom Barrett (Democratic), mayor of Milwaukee Nathan Graewin (Libertarian) Hariprasad Trivedi (Independent)http://fox6now.com/2012/04/09/tom-barrett-to-deliver-gubernatorial-recall-papers-tuesday Candidates in gubernatorial, lt. gov. and senate recalls turn in paperwork April 10, 2012 Fox6now.com June 3, 2012 Scott Walker (Republican), incumbent governor Steven Zelinski (write-in)http://badgerherald.com/news/2012/04/29/independent_write-in.php Independent write-in gubernatorial candidate Zelinski enters race Badgerherald.com April 29, 2012 June 3, 2012 June 4, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120604060540/http://badgerherald.com/news/2012/04/29/independent_write-in.php dead Campaign In April, the Milwaukee Police Association and Milwaukee Professional Firefighters Association unions endorsed Governor Walker in the recall election.Docter Cary http://fox6now.com/2012/04/02/milwaukee-police-firefighters-endorse-gov-walker Milwaukee police, firefighters endorse Gov. Walker Fox6now.com April 2, 2012 May 9, 2012 After Barrett won the Democratic primary, Walker stated, "As Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett enters the general election in his soon to be third statewide losing campaign, he will surely find that his record of raising taxes and promises to continue to do so will not resonate with voters."http://www.scottwalker.org/press-releases/2012/05/walker-campaign-reacts-mayor-tom-barrett%E2%80%99s-entrance-general-election Walker Campaign Reacts To Mayor Tom Barrett'S Entrance Into The General Election Scottwalker.org May 8, 2012 June 3, 2012 June 4, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120604141006/http://www.scottwalker.org/press-releases/2012/05/walker-campaign-reacts-mayor-tom-barrett%E2%80%99s-entrance-general-election dead After his primary victory, Barrett said, "We cannot fix Wisconsin with Walker as governor, this election is not about fighting past battles, it is about moving forward together to create jobs and get our economy moving again."http://www.barrettforwisconsin.com/media/news/2012-05-tom-barrett-faces-scott-walker-in-june Tom Barrett Faces Scott Walker In June Barrettforwisconsin.com June 3, 2012 Debates thumb|Barrett (left) and Walker (right) debating on May 31 Complete video of debate, May 25, 2012 - C-SPAN Complete video of debate, May 31, 2012 - C-SPAN Polls +KeyDVDecided votersLVLikely votersRVRegistered voters Poll source Date(s)administered SamplesizeMargin oferror ScottWalker (R) TomBarrett (D) Other UndecidedWe Ask AmericaWe Ask America June 3, 2012 1,570 LV ± 2.5% 54% 42% — 4%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling June 2–3, 2012 1,226 LV ± 2.8% 50% 47% — 3%Angus Reid Public OpinionAngus Reid Public Opinion May 30 – June 2, 2012 507 DV ± 4.4% 53% 47% — —Marquette UniversityMarquette University May 23–26, 2012 600 LV ± 4.1% 52% 45% — 3%We Ask AmericaWe Ask America https://web.archive.org/web/20120528070735/http://weaskamerica.com/2012/05/24/turnout/ May 28, 2012 May 23, 2012 1,409 LV ± 2.61% 54% 42% — 4%St. Norbert CollegeSt. Norbert College May 17–22, 2012 406 LV ± 5% 50% 45% — 5%Reason-RupeReason-Rupe May 14–18, 2012 609 LV ± 4% 50% 42% — 6%We Ask AmericaWe Ask America May 13, 2012 1,219 LV ± 2.81% 52% 43% — 5%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling May 11–13, 2012 833 LV ± 3.4% 50% 45% 2% 3%Marquette UniversityMarquette University May 9–12, 2012 600 LV ± 4.1% 50% 44% — 3%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports May 9, 2012 500 LV ± 4.5% 50% 45% 2% 2%Marquette University April 26–29, 2012 705 RV ± 4% 46% 47% 3% 4% 628 LV 47% 46% 3% 4%Public Policy Polling April 13–15, 2012 1,136 ± 2.9% 50% 45% 2% 3%Marquette University March 22–25, 2012 707 ± 3.7% 47% 45% 3% 5%Public Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 900 ± 3.3% 46% 49% — 5%Marquette UniversityMarquette University January 19–22, 2012 701 ± 3.7% 50% 44% 2% 4%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling October 20–23, 2011 1,170 ± 2.9% 48% 46% — 6% Hypothetical polling left Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) Generic Democrat Other UndecidedMaristMarist March 26–27, 2012 2,792 ± 1.9% 46% 48% — 6% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) KathleenFalk (D) Other UndecidedMarquette University April 26–29, 2012 705 ± 4% 49% 42% 6% 3%Public Policy Polling April 13–15, 2012 1136 ± 2.9% 50% 43% 3% 3%Marquette University March 22–25, 2012 707 ± 3.7% 49% 45% 2% 5%Public Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 900 ± 3.3% 47% 48% — 5%Marquette University January 19–22, 2012 701 ± 3.7% 49% 42% 2% 6%Public Policy Polling October 20–23, 2011 1,170 ± 2.9% 49% 41% — 10% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) DougLa Follette (D) Other UndecidedMarquette University April 26–29, 2012 705 ± 4% 49% 40% 7% 4%Public Policy Polling April 13–15, 2012 1136 ± 2.9% 51% 40% 3% 6%Marquette University March 22–25, 2012 707 ± 3.7% 49% 42% 3% 6%Public Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 900 ± 3.3% 46% 45% — 9% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) KathleenVinehout (D) Other UndecidedMarquette University April 26–29, 2012 705 ± 4% 49% 40% 6% 5%Public Policy Polling April 13–15, 2012 1136 ± 2.9% 50% 38% 5% 7%Marquette University March 22–25, 2012 707 ± 3.7% 49% 41% 3% 6%Public Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 900 ± 3.3% 46% 44% — 10% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) PeterBarca (D) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 900 ± 3.3% 48% 46% — 7%Public Policy Polling October 20–23, 2011 1,170 ± 2.9% 48% 42% — 10% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) TimCullen (D) Other UndecidedMarquette University January 19–22, 2012 701 ± 3.7% 50% 40% 3% 7% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) JonErpenbach (D) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 900 ± 3.3% 47% 44% — 9%Public Policy Polling October 20–23, 2011 1,170 ± 2.9% 47% 40% — 13% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) RussFeingold (D) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 900 ± 3.3% 45% 52% — 4%Public Policy Polling October 20–23, 2011 1,170 ± 2.9% 46% 49% — 5% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) SteveKagen (D) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling October 20–23, 2011 1,170 ± 2.9% 47% 39% — 14% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) RonKind (D) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 900 ± 3.3% 45% 46% — 9%Public Policy Polling October 20–23, 2011 1,170 ± 2.9% 47% 41% — 12% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ScottWalker (R) DavidObey (D) Other UndecidedPublic Policy Polling February 23–26, 2012 900 ± 3.3% 47% 45% — 7%Marquette University January 19–22, 2012 701 ± 3.7% 49% 43% 3% 6%Public Policy Polling October 20–23, 2011 1,170 ± 2.9% 47% 42% — 10% Predictions Source Ranking As of Sabato's Crystal Ballhttps://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/wisconsin-recall-process-aids-walker/ Wisconsin Recall: Process Aids Walker May 29, 2012 Sabato's Crystal Ball May 29, 2012 Lean R May 29, 2012 Results 2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall electionhttp://elections.wi.gov/sites/default/files/County%20Results_6.5.12%20Recall%20Election_all%20offices_pre%20sen21%20recount.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20161015001434/http://elections.wi.gov/sites/default/files/County%20Results_6.5.12%20Recall%20Election_all%20offices_pre%20sen21%20recount.pdf dead 2016-10-15 County by County Report 2012 June 5 Recall Election Wisconsin Government Accountability Board September 16, 2024 Scott Walker (incumbent) Republican Party (United States) 1,335,585 53.08% +0.84% Tom Barrett Democratic Party (United States) 1,164,480 46.28% -0.20% Hari Trivedi Independent 14,463 0.57% Scattering 1,537 0.06% 171,105 6.80% 2,516,065 100.00% Republican Party (United States) +1.03% By county County Scott WalkerRepublican Tom BarrettDemocratic Hari TrivediIndependent ScatteringWrite-in Margin Total votes cast # % # % # % # % # %Adams4,49754.44%3,65844.29%971.17%80.10%83910.16%8,260Ashland2,59838.05%4,17461.14%500.73%50.07%-1,576-23.08%6,827Barron10,42059.26%7,01539.89%1360.77%130.07%3,40519.36%17,584Bayfield3,26939.79%4,88959.51%550.67%30.04%-1,620-19.72%8,216Brown61,96959.65%41,23839.69%6190.60%670.06%20,73119.95%103,893Buffalo3,40360.78%2,14838.36%440.79%40.07%1,25522.41%5,599Burnett3,99860.80%2,53638.56%400.61%20.03%1,46222.23%6,576Calumet15,00466.28%7,51533.20%1070.47%120.05%7,48933.08%22,638Chippewa14,87758.21%10,41940.77%2440.95%160.06%4,45817.44%25,556Clark8,13368.63%3,61830.53%860.73%140.12%4,51538.10%11,851Columbia12,91249.34%13,07049.94%1610.62%290.11%-158-0.60%26,172Crawford3,35751.00%3,16048.01%610.93%40.06%1972.99%6,582Dane77,59530.38%176,40769.07%1,2390.49%1750.07%-98,812-38.69%255,416Dodge24,85163.60%13,95835.72%2420.62%200.05%10,89327.88%39,071Door8,40156.80%6,30842.65%750.51%70.05%2,09314.15%14,791Douglas6,37435.02%11,71164.35%1060.58%80.04%-5,337-29.33%18,199Dunn8,41753.84%7,09945.41%1140.73%30.02%1,3188.43%15,633Eau Claire20,74049.75%20,59549.41%3250.78%250.06%1450.35%41,685Florence1,33864.76%71734.70%100.48%10.05%62130.06%2,066Fond du Lac29,06063.89%16,10535.41%3090.68%90.02%12,95528.48%45,483Forest2,18058.76%1,48540.03%441.19%10.03%69518.73%3,710Grant9,49851.97%8,62347.18%1370.75%170.09%8754.79%18,275Green8,40751.02%7,98148.43%710.43%190.12%4262.59%16,478Green Lake5,80068.84%2,56430.43%540.64%70.08%3,23638.41%8,425Iowa4,95746.33%5,66052.90%770.72%50.05%-703-6.57%10,699Iron1,61355.72%1,26743.77%140.48%10.03%34611.95%2,895Jackson4,07453.55%3,46645.56%620.81%60.08%6087.99%7,608Jefferson22,47559.97%14,69839.22%2740.73%310.08%7,77720.75%37,478Juneau5,42955.66%4,22543.32%830.85%160.16%1,20412.34%9,753Kenosha28,93549.07%29,63850.27%3490.59%390.07%-703-1.19%58,961Kewaunee6,10864.01%3,38835.51%420.44%40.04%2,72028.51%9,542La Crosse22,60847.43%24,65151.72%3820.80%220.05%-2,043-4.29%47,663Lafayette3,88756.68%2,92342.62%460.67%20.03%96414.06%6,858Langlade5,62165.43%2,89833.73%710.83%10.01%2,72331.70%8,591Lincoln7,20156.86%5,35142.25%1060.84%60.05%1,85014.61%12,664Manitowoc23,08564.02%12,68235.17%2680.74%260.07%10,40328.85%36,061Marathon36,35262.03%21,80937.22%3980.68%420.07%14,54324.82%58,601Marinette10,26761.84%6,24237.60%900.54%40.02%4,02524.24%16,603Marquette4,10259.23%2,76439.91%550.79%50.07%1,33819.32%6,926Menominee20826.46%57573.16%30.38%00.00%-367-46.69%786Milwaukee143,45536.21%250,47663.22%1,9350.49%3170.08%-107,021-27.01%396,183Monroe9,06459.14%6,09339.76%1551.01%140.09%2,97119.39%15,326Oconto11,04965.24%5,78234.14%1020.60%40.02%5,26731.10%16,937Oneida10,43358.08%7,36541.00%1470.82%170.09%3,06817.08%17,962Outagamie47,84061.28%29,71438.06%4660.60%420.05%18,12623.22%78,062Ozaukee34,30370.64%14,09529.03%1410.29%210.04%20,20841.61%48,560Pepin1,84959.99%1,21639.45%170.55%00.00%63320.54%3,082Pierce8,31754.99%6,74444.59%590.39%40.03%1,57310.40%15,124Polk10,13360.18%6,59339.15%1060.63%70.04%3,54021.02%16,839Portage14,84648.23%15,67250.91%2420.79%220.07%-826-2.68%30,782Price4,08359.95%2,65138.92%731.07%40.06%1,43221.02%6,811Racine45,52652.72%40,28746.65%5090.59%290.03%5,2396.07%86,351Richland3,89553.74%3,29645.47%530.73%40.06%5998.26%7,248Rock27,49843.40%35,31655.74%4750.75%690.11%-7,818-12.34%63,358Rusk3,72262.51%2,16736.40%601.01%50.08%1,55526.12%5,954Sauk13,64851.21%12,81548.09%1680.63%180.07%8333.13%26,649Sawyer3,99956.44%3,03842.88%450.64%30.04%96113.56%7,085Shawano11,20166.11%5,64633.33%880.52%70.04%5,55532.79%16,942Sheboygan34,04764.30%18,61235.15%2790.53%150.03%15,43529.15%52,953St. Croix20,89461.08%13,17738.52%1240.36%120.04%7,71722.56%34,207Taylor5,75171.60%2,20127.40%760.95%40.05%3,55044.20%8,032Trempealeau6,26657.01%4,63442.16%880.80%40.04%1,63214.85%10,992Vernon6,35251.97%5,76247.14%1000.82%90.07%5904.83%12,223Vilas7,30063.29%4,15436.02%720.62%80.07%3,14627.28%11,534Walworth26,22164.28%14,34635.17%2020.50%210.05%11,87529.11%40,790Washburn4,27856.96%3,15642.02%590.79%170.23%1,12214.94%7,510Washington52,30675.60%16,63424.04%2460.36%00.00%35,67251.56%69,186Waukesha154,31672.34%58,23427.30%7060.33%760.04%96,08245.04%213,332Waupaca14,09464.65%7,56434.70%1280.59%130.06%6,53029.96%21,799Waushara6,46362.80%3,75436.47%690.67%60.06%2,70926.32%10,292Winnebago39,88155.96%30,88543.33%4460.63%600.08%8,99612.62%71,272Wood18,53557.90%13,17141.14%2810.88%260.08%5,36416.76%32,013Total1,335,58553.08%1,164,48046.28%14,4630.57%1,5370.06%171,1056.80%2,516,065 Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Crawford (largest city: Prairie du Chien) Eau Claire (largest city: Eau Claire) Green (largest municipality: Monroe) Trempealeau (largest city: Arcadia) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Columbia (largest city: Portage) Kenosha (largest city: Kenosha) La Crosse (largest city: La Crosse) right 300px Swing by county 300px Trend relative to the state by county Legend #00a1c8 Democratic — +>15% #00bdec Democratic — +12.5-15% #4bdbff Democratic — +7.5-10% #77e3ff Democratic — +5-7.5% #aaeeff Democratic — +2.5-5% #d5f6ff Democratic — +0-2.5% #ffd5d5 Republican — +0-2.5% #ffaaaa Republican — +2.5-5% #ff8080 Republican — +5-7.5% #ff5555 Republican — +7.5-10% #ff2a2a Republican — +10-12.5% #ff0000 Republican — +12.5-15% #d40000 Republican — +>15% 300px County flips Legend Democratic #92c5de Hold #0671b0 Flip Republican #f48882 Hold #ca0120 Flip By congressional district Walker won six of eight congressional districts, including one that was represented by a Democrat.Our Campaigns - WI Governor - Recall Race - Jun 05, 2012 https://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=703620 District Walker Barrett RepresentativeWisconsin 1 1st 57% 42%Paul RyanWisconsin 2 2nd 35% 64%Tammy Baldwin Wisconsin 3 3rd 52% 47%Ron Kind Wisconsin 4 4th 28% 72%Gwen Moore Wisconsin 5 5th 68% 32%Jim SensenbrennerWisconsin 6 6th 62% 38%Tom Petri Wisconsin 7 7th 59% 40%Sean Duffy Wisconsin 8 8th 62% 38%Reid Ribble Analysis Despite the protests, which followed shortly after Walker's inauguration, Walker's margin of victory in the recall election increased by 1 percentage point compared to the previous election (6.8% vs 5.8%). Approximately 350,000 more people voted in the recall election than in the 2010 election (2.5 million vs 2.15 million), making voter turnout in the recall 57.8%, the highest for a Wisconsin gubernatorial election not on a presidential ballot. The Republican bastions of Ozaukee, Waukesha, and Washington had the highest turnouts in the state, at 74%, 72%, and 70% respectively. The Democratic bastion of Dane was not far behind, at 67% voter turnout. Menominee had the lowest turnout in the state, with only 28% voter turnout. Walker won 60 counties in the recall election, compared to 59 in 2010. Three counties flipped from Walker to Barrett in the recall election (Columbia, Kenosha, and La Crosse), while four counties flipped from Barrett to Walker in the recall election (Crawford, Eau Claire, Green, and Trempealeau). Walker's margin of victory increased in 54 counties, while it decreased in 18 counties. Walker did better in most of northern Wisconsin, while Barrett did better in southeast Wisconsin and the most northern counties in the state. Twelve counties (Buffalo, Calumet, Clark, Door, Forest, Kewaunee, Outagamie, Pepin, Price, Rusk, Taylor, and Trempealeau) had swings towards Walker by six points or more compared to the last election, while six counties (Columbia, Dodge, Douglas, Kenosha, Racine, and Rock) had swings towards Barrett by two points or more. The Democratic strongholds of Dane County and Milwaukee County went more to Barrett in the recall election, while the Republican strongholds of Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington went more Walker. Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted the similarities between the 2010 and 2012 elections while looking at the exit poll numbers.Gilbert Craig http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/160537265.html#!page=5&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst Recall turnout June 5: high in most places, insanely high in some Jsonline.com 2012-06-27 2012-07-23 Aftermath 2014 Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling On July 31, 2014, Scott Bauer reported for the Associated Press: The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Thursday [July 31, 2014] upheld the 2011 law that effectively ended collective bargaining for most [Wisconsin] public workers, sparked massive protests and led to Republican Gov. Scott Walker's recall election and rise to national prominence. The 5-2 ruling upholds Walker's signature policy achievement in its entirety and is a major victory for the potential 2016 GOP presidential candidate, who is seeking re-election this year. The ruling also marks the end of the three-year legal fight over the law, which prohibits public-employee unions from collectively bargaining for anything beyond wage increases based on inflation. A federal appeals court twice upheld the law as constitutional. "No matter the limitations or 'burdens' a legislative enactment places on the collective-bargaining process, collective bargaining remains a creation of legislative grace and not constitutional obligation", Justice Michael Gableman wrote."2011 law which led to recall election is upheld by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, 5-2", talkingpointsmemo.com; accessed August 19, 2014. Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson and Justice Ann Walsh Bradley dissented from the ruling, arguing the law unconstitutionally infringes on protected rights. Investigation of alleged illegal campaign coordination In August 2012, the first investigation, which had been launched by John Chisholm, Milwaukee County District Attorney, a Democrat, into missing funds, was rolled into a second John Doe probe based on a theory that Governor Walker's campaign had illegally coordinated with conservative groups engaged in issue advocacy during the recall elections.Kittle MD http://watchdog.org/149217/john-doe-wall-street-journal-investigation/ 'Never-ending' John Doe never ended, WSJ reports Wisconsin Reporter June 9, 2014 April 13, 2015 March 17, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150317041807/http://watchdog.org/149217/john-doe-wall-street-journal-investigation/ dead The initial John Doe judge, now retired Kenosha County Circuit Judge Barbara A. Kluka, overseeing the John Doe investigation issued 30 subpoenas and 5 search warrants. She also issued a secrecy order which meant that those being investigated were legally bound from discussing any facet of the investigation publicly."Wisconsin Political Speech Raid", Wall Street Journal; November 18, 2013. Shortly thereafter, she recused herself from the investigation."Judge in Democrat-led John Doe probe recuses herself", Wisconsin Reporter; October 30, 2013. Kluka's replacement, Judge Gregory Peterson, quashed several subpoenas in January 2014, saying "there was no probable cause shown that they violated campaign finance laws".Kittle MD http://watchdog.org/149217/john-doe-wall-street-journal-investigation 'Never-ending' John Doe never ended, WSJ reports Wisconsin Reporter June 9, 2014 April 13, 2015Milwaukee John Doe investigation, watchdog.org; accessed September 15, 2015. The special prosecutorApril 2015 took the unusual step of filing a supervisory writ, essentially appealing Judge Peterson's decision, with the same appeals court that had denied a motion to stop the investigation.http://watchdog.org/130571/prosecutor-john-doe-law Wisconsin Reporter, "John Doe special prosecutor appeals judge's ruling quashing subpoenas", February 28, 2014. December 30, 2022 July 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170726054734/http://watchdog.org/130571/prosecutor-john-doe-law/ dead On July 16, 2015, the Wisconsin Supreme Court closed the investigation into whether Governor Walker's campaign had illegally coordinated with outside groups by a 4–2 vote. Justice Michael J. Gableman in writing for the majority stated, "To be clear, this conclusion ends the John Doe investigation because the special prosecutor's legal theory is unsupported in either reason or law. Consequently, the investigation is closed."Scott Walker clears big legal hurdle in Wisconsin https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/07/16/scott-walker-clears-big-legal-hurdle-in-wisconsin/ The Washington Post 2015-07-16 2015-09-15 0190-8286 en Jose A. DelReal Jenna Johnson The director of Wisconsin Club for Growth (the Wisconsin arm of the national Club for Growth), Eric O'Keefe, defied the gag order, and filed a lawsuit alleging the probe was partisan and violated First Amendment rights to free expression. In a May 6, 2014 order, Judge Rudolph T. Randa found the investigation had no legal basis.https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/05/06/in-victory-for-walker-and-allies-federal-judge-halts-wisconsin-campaign-finance-probe Judge Halts Probe The defendants are pursuing criminal charges through a secret John Doe investigation against the plaintiffs for exercising issue advocacy speech rights that on their face are not subject to the regulations or statutes the defendants seek to enforce. This legitimate exercise of O'Keefe's rights as an individual, and WCFG's rights as a 501(c)(4) corporation, to speak on the issues has been characterized by the defendants as political activity covered by Chapter 11 of the Wisconsin Statutes, rendering the plaintiffs a subcommittee of the Friends of Scott Walker and requiring that money spent on such speech be reported as an in-kind campaign contribution. This interpretation is simply wrong. The Washington Post Rosalind S. Helderman May 6, 2014 One day later, a three-judge panel (Wood, Bauer and Easterbrook) of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago stayed Judge Randa's preliminary injunction, ruling he had overstepped his authority as prosecutors had already appealed an earlier decision in the case. Randa could issue his injunction only if he certified their appeal as frivolous. The appeals court also ruled that Judge Randa could not order prosecutors to destroy evidence collected in the five-county probe.7th Circuit United States Court of Appeals overturns Randa decision, jsonline.com; retrieved September 12, 2014."Judge's order tossing 'John Doe' investigation is stayed", Wisconsin State Journal, May 7, 2014; retrieved May 14, 2014.RE "John Doe" investigations against Republicans and conservatives in Wisconsin https://web.archive.org/web/20150420040026/http://watchdog.org/123377/john-doe-conservatives-wall-street-journal/ April 20, 2015 , watchdog.org; accessed July 31, 2014.Prosecutors Allege Scott Walker At Center Of Campaign Finance Criminal Conspiracy https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/19/scott-walker-investigation_n_5512463.html The Huffington Post June 20, 2014 June 19, 2014 Judge Randa quickly certified the appeal as frivolous and the appeals court upheld the preliminary injunction ruling that he did have the authority to issue the injunction."Appeals court judge upholds judge's order shutting down John Doe probe" https://web.archive.org/web/20150603232313/http://watchdog.org/149277/court-john-doe-judge/ June 3, 2015 , Wisconsin Reporter, June 9, 2014. At the request of the Wisconsin Club for Growth, the court unsealed documents from the investigation on June 19, 2014.Marley Patrick Bice Daniel Glauber Bill http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/john-doe-prosecutors-allege-scott-walker-at-center-of-criminal-scheme-263839791.html John Doe prosecutors allege Scott Walker at center of 'criminal scheme' Milwaukee Journal Sentinel June 19, 2014 June 19, 2014 These documents reveal the prosecutors' theory that Governor Walker was at the center of a plan to illegally coordinate fundraising efforts with a number of outside conservative groups to help him in the 2012 recall election, bypassing state election laws. A theory that had been ruled as having no legal basis by two judges."Judge stops WI prosecutors' John Doe probe into conservatives" https://web.archive.org/web/20150420040029/http://watchdog.org/143058/john-doe-judge-injunction/ April 20, 2015 , Wisconsin Reporter, May 6, 2014. According to a statement by prosecutors "At the time the investigation was halted, Governor Walker was not a target of the investigation. At no time has he been served with a subpoena", and that they have "no conclusions as to whether there is sufficient evidence to charge anyone with a crime"."Governor Walker not a target according to 'John Doe' special prosecutor", madison.com; accessed August 4, 2014. To date, no one has been charged in the investigation.Prosecutors allege Walker in criminal scheme regarding fundraising https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/06/19/scott-walker-prosecutors-criminal-probe/10891057 USA Today June 19, 2014 November 13, 2014 Fredreka Schouten Aamer Madhani The probe has been effectively shut down with Judge Peterson's quashing of subpoenas until the Wisconsin Supreme Court rules on whether the investigation was legal."Wisconsin Supreme Court to take up John Doe complaints" https://web.archive.org/web/20150506171635/http://watchdog.org/187893/supreme-court-john-doe-legal/ May 6, 2015 , watchdog.org, December 17, 2014. On August 21, 2014, a number of email messages were disclosed from a previous court filing by a special prosecutor. According to Politico, the emails purports to show that Walker made an early decision for money to be funneled though a group he trusted, and shows that he had a direct hand in "orchestrating the fundraising logistics of the opposition to the recalls".Hohman James The Scott Walker documents: 6 must-read passages August 23, 2014 https://www.politico.com/story/2014/08/the-walker-documents-6-must-read-passages-110290.html#ixzz3BH29i9QV Politico August 24, 2014 According to CBS News, the disclosures show that prosecutors claimed that Walker "personally solicited donations for [the] conservative group Wisconsin Club for Growth to get around campaign finance limits and disclosure requirements as he fended off the recall attempt in 2012."New emails show Scott Walker's fundraising strategy in recall election https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-emails-show-scott-walkers-fundraising-strategy-in-recall-election CBS News August 24, 2014 August 23, 2014 One of the emails released read, "As the Governor discussed ... he wants all the issue advocacy efforts run through one group to ensure correct messaging. We had some past problems with multiple groups doing work on 'behalf' of Gov. Walker and it caused some issues ... The Governor is encouraging all to invest in the Wisconsin Club for Growth." The Washington Post reported that the documents released show Walker solicited donors such as Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone, hedge fund manager Paul Singer, and real estate businessman Donald Trump to give large contributions to a tax-exempt group that backed him during the recall efforts.Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker sought help from top GOP donors for allied group https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-sought-help-from-top-gop-donors-for-allied-group/2014/08/23/aea74f38-2afd-11e4-86ca-6f03cbd15c1a_story.html The Washington Post August 24, 2014 Matea Gold August 23, 2014 Wisconsin Club for Growth reportedly only ran issues ads, none of which had to do with the recall attempt."Target of secret John Doe probe is fighting back and speaking out" https://web.archive.org/web/20150317003327/http://watchdog.org/174723/john-doe-eric-okeefe-investigation/ March 17, 2015 , Wisconsin Reporter, October 2, 2014. According to a The Wall Street Journal editorial (August 24, 2014), it is "legal and common" for politicians to raise money for political action committees, party committees, and 501(c)(4)'s. There are no allegations that the Wisconsin Club for Growth gave the money to Walker, or even advertised on his behalf.Hyperventilating in Wisconsin https://online.wsj.com/articles/hyperventilating-in-wisconsin-over-scott-walkers-fund-raising-1408920214?_outlook The Wall Street Journal August 24, 2014 In September 2014, lawyers asked a federal appeals court to uphold an injunction that blocks a Wisconsin prosecutor from reviving an investigation that targeted conservative organizations accused of illegally coordinating with the governor for the purpose of circumventing campaign finance limits, citing selective prosecution and violations of free speech and equal protection under the law.Shapiro Jeffrey Walker support group seeks to uphold prosecution injunction The Washington Times http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/sep/10/shapiro-walker-support-group-seeks-uphold-prosecut September 12, 2014 On September 9, 2014, the Seventh Circuit heard oral arguments on the appeal. During arguments, Judge Frank Easterbrook questioned the constitutionality of the secrecy orders, stating it's "screaming with unconstitutionality". Judge Diane Wood focused in on why the suit was filed in federal court. O'Keefe's attorneys pointed to the fact that the Wisconsin Supreme Court had yet to take up the cases filed in state court.Wisconsin prosecutors appeal for protection from blowback in partisan probe https://web.archive.org/web/20150506171809/http://watchdog.org/169549/appeal-partisan-wisconsin/ May 6, 2015 Wisconsin Reporter; September 9, 2014 On September 24, 2014, the Seventh Circuit reversed Judge Randa's injunction order and dismissed the lawsuit, not based on the merits of the case, but ruling only on federal interference in a state case.Appeals court reverses John Doe injunction, but Wisconsin's secret war far from over https://web.archive.org/web/20150506171817/http://watchdog.org/173189/john-doe-injunction/ May 6, 2015 , Wisconsin Reporter, September 24, 2014. O'Keefe filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court on January 21, 2015.O'Keefe takes his case against John Doe to U.S. Supreme Court https://web.archive.org/web/20150506171825/http://watchdog.org/194476/suprme-court-john-doe-first-amendment/ May 6, 2015 , watchdog.org, January 21, 2015; accessed July 27, 2015. Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board, or GAB, performed the functions of both a state elections and ethics board during this time period and was part of the investigation due to being "presented with facts that suggested there was a violation of the law as it had been applied for years"."Exit Interview with Kevin Kennedy, Executive Director of the Government Accountability Board", wpr.org, June 23, 2016 Although credited as a "model" for other states because "members are former judges chosen in a way to ensure they will not favor either major party" and "no other state has a chief election administration authority with the same degree of insulation from partisan politics" "America's Top Model: The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board", UC Irvine Law Review, 2013. the GAB's being part of this investigation still drew the ire of some Wisconsin Republicans. In July 2015 Governor Walker called for the dismantling of the GAB."Walker calls for dismantling of state elections board" https://web.archive.org/web/20160927024628/http://www.wkow.com/story/29587052/2015/07/20/walker-calls-for-dismantling-of-state-elections-board September 27, 2016 , wkow, July 20, 2015 The state legislature, controlled by Republicans during the 2015–16 session, passed a law doing so—which Governor Walker signed—that ended the GAB in 2016 and split its functions between boards appointed by leaders of the major political parties. In 2016, Salon.com declared that a majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court justices who halted the investigation had been endorsed by the same conservative organizations that were being investigated. "Four of that court's seven justices were elected with $10 million in support (more than the jurists spent on their own campaigns) from Wisconsin Club for Growth and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, two of the 'independent' groups that Walker was accused of illegally coordinating with...""It hurts to be right...", salon.com, September 16, 2016. This led to some of the District Attorneys involved in the John Doe investigation appealing unsuccessfully to the U.S. Supreme Court."Wisconsin Supreme Court won't restart John Doe probe", Wisconsin State Journal, April 28, 2016. The Guardian reported in September 2016 that there was strong evidence of illegal coordination, based on more than 1500 pages of leaked emails.https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2016/sep/14/john-doe-files-scott-walker-corporate-cash-american-politics The Guardian September 14, 2016 Because Scott Walker Asked: Leaked court documents from 'John Doe investigation' in Wisconsin lay bare pervasive influence of corporate cash on modern US elections Pilkington Edhttps://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/opinion/an-email-trail-leads-to-gov-walker.html New York Times September 19, 2016 An Email Trail Leads to Gov. Walker On October 3, 2016, the United States Supreme Court decided not to take the case despite urging by The New Yorker in order "to repair the rule of law in Wisconsin"."Why the Supreme Court Should Take On Political Corruption in Wisconsin", newyorker.com, September 23, 2016. Political and legal scholar Howard Schweber opined that this may have been due to the US Supreme Court trying to avoid "tie outcomes"."US Supreme Court Declines To Hear Wisconsin's John Doe Appeal", wpr.org, October 3, 2016. See also Politics 2011 Wisconsin protests 2011 Wisconsin Act 10 Recall elections in Wisconsin 2012 Wisconsin lieutenant gubernatorial recall election Wisconsin Supreme Court election, 2011 Wisconsin Senate recall elections, 2011 Wisconsin Senate recall elections, 2012 References 30em External links Database of Governor Walker and state senator recall petitions Election coverage at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Campaign contributions interactive Category:2012 United States gubernatorial elections Gubernatorial 2012 Wisconsin 2012 Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election Category:Scott Walker (politician)